There is no doubting that the Pittsburgh Steelers are the heart and soul of the city when it comes to sports. Fans have sweat, laughed and cried through so many intense games and seasons. The 412 area code has been the home of many athletes that have all found a way to make their mark in the community. It doesn't seem to matter whether certain individuals are around for the long haul or a short period of time. The best way to look at it is that Pittsburgh is a welcoming and loving sports community that has as much passion as anyone else.
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach, Mike Tomlin awaits patiently for the start of Super Bowl XLV. Doug Pensinger / Getty Images
There will always be bad blood surrounding former players of any organization, but what really speaks to the quality and respect around a franchise is the people who leave and go on to talk in a positive manner about the team. In particular, when a former competitor talks about how great a fan base is that he no longer plays for.
Kelvin Beachum has been in the NFL since 2012. His career started when the Steelers drafted him in the seventh round. The offensive lineman is due to be a free agent in 2023 and joined the The PM Team w/ Poni & Mueller on 93.7 the Fan recently. He was very clear when talking about the fans in Pittsburgh. The Steelers were a major part of the community:
"Just how important it was to the fans and to the community... how important the Steelers were."
Former Steelers offensive lineman gets ready to block during a regular season game against the Chargers. | Charles LeClaire / USA TODAY Sports
It wasn't just those words that really stuck out. Beachum seems to be completely bought into the crazy and dedicated fan base. He compared the faithful to a negative word that everyone in the Steel City would agree with when it comes to football: 'rabid.'
"I haven't had that type of rabid fandom since I've left Pittsburgh and I've played in some great places. The fandom. The avidness and the true community that you have there in Pittsburgh... there's nothing like it in the world," Beachum said.
The offensive line has been in question for Mike Tomlin's team for some time now and it will be interesting to see what the organization does heading into the off-season with the position. Beachum is a veteran who has played on both sides of the line and based on his comments, might be open to a return to Pittsburgh. Could he be the right fit to replace Dan Moore Jr. at left tackle?
Steelers offensive tackle, Dan Moore Jr. warms up for a regular season game during his 2021 rookie year at then-Heinz Field in Pittsburgh PA. | JORDAN SCHOFIELD / STEELERNATION (TWITTER: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers 2012 Seventh-Rounder Still Cares About Pittsburgh
Beachum was once a young final-day pick who turned his love for football into a consistent career. He has played in regular season games for several difference organizations, but it's clear that he has a soft spot for the team that gave him a shot in the first place. Could a reunion be in store?
The city of Pittsburgh is a special one, especially when it comes to the pigskin on the North Shore. Beachum has been consistent and competitive since he was drafted in 2012. His comments regarding the fan base and hometown isn't just a testament of his appreciation for the football town. It is a direct testimonial of how incredible the people are in Pittsburgh when it comes to Steelers' football.
What are your thoughts on the former offensive lineman's complimentary comments? Let us know in the comments below!
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